Smoked Beef Queso

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This smoked beef queso is cooked low and slow, so the cheese melts without turning greasy or grainy. Smoking it gives the queso just enough smoky depth while keeping it creamy and scoopable. This is an easy, crowd-friendly dip that works for game day, parties, or anytime the smoker is already running.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 262.27kcal

Author: Sarah Hill

Equipment

Cast Iron Skillet
Pellet Smoker

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound ground beef
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies drained (mild or hot)
1 pound sliced American cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
Salt to taste
Tortilla chips for serving

Optional toppings

chopped fresh cilantro
sliced green onions
diced tomatoes

Instructions

Preheat the smoker. Preheat your smoker to 250°F with a mild wood (hickory, oak, or cherry all work).
Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spices. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, American cheese, and Monterey Jack. Stir to combine.
2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese, 1 pound sliced American cheese
Place the pan on the smoker grates, uncovered. Smoke for 30–45 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, smooth, and lightly smoky. If the queso gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth.
Taste and season with salt, if needed. Top with cilantro, green onions, or diced tomatoes if you like. Serve warm right from the skillet with tortilla chips.
Salt, Tortilla chips, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes

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